Where everyone knows your name

Michael Clayton, a patient of the Mass General Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley, graciously shared his story—excerpted below—in a community video celebrating the 12th annual Hope Walks this year.

In May of 2018, shortly after celebrating my 25th wedding anniversary, I was diagnosed with esophageal cancer after an endoscopy with Dr. Laurence Bailen at Newton-Wellesley. Needless to say, this came as a surprise and shock to everyone in my life, especially my wife, Alison, and my three daughters, Lauren, Emily, and Lexi.

Soon after my diagnosis, Alison and I met with several teams to discuss treatments and options. Together with Dr. Lawrence Blaszkowsky, Dr. Theodore Hong, and Dr. Henning Gaissart, we came up with a personalized plan. The best doctors in the world would be treating me at my local hospital, just seven minutes from my home, in a center that was warm and welcoming.

I immediately started on a five-and-a-halfweek regimen of daily radiation and weekly chemotherapy. While it wasn’t fun, the folks at the Cancer Center made the place feel comfortable and safe and all took great care of me.

As of this past September 15, I am now cancer free for 3 years! I have built up my strength to a level unthinkable at the time, and I thank the whole team at the Mass General Cancer Center at NewtonWellesley for getting me here today.

This year was my third year walking for Hope Walks, and my family, friends and our dog, Duke, all joined me. I walk to ensure the Cancer Center can continue to help all those who follow me through this tough time. I walk to let people know there are options out there and the center is at the forefront of technology, treatments, and some very special care. They do this at our local hospital, where you get world-class doctors and care at a friendly location…where everyone knows your name.

On Sunday, October 24, hundreds of patients, families, colleagues, cancer survivors and community members came together virtually to raise more than $100,000 to help give cancer patients access to life-saving treatments and highly individualized, compassionate care close to their homes. Funds raised through this year’s event will help NWH expand vital care by securing a second linear accelerator (LINAC)—the critical piece of equipment for providing radiation therapy to cancer patients. The event will also help support the replacement of the existing machine, which was installed in 2009. For more on the what the LINAC project means, view remarks by Dr. Blaszkowsky and Dr. Joanna Tansky in this year’s Hope Walks celebration video.